Reproducible, Easy-to-Play Card and Board Games That Boost
Kids’ Vocabulary Skills — and Help Them Succeed on Tests
NEW YORK • TORONTO • LONDON • AUCKLAND • SYDNEY
MEXICO CITY • NEW DELHI • HONG KONG • BUENOS AIRES
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Dedication
These games are dedicated to:
all the children who worked with me over the
past 20 years to acquire good vocabulary skills;
my three grandchildren—Katie, Sam, and Jake—
who played these games with me just for the fun of it;
the teachers, tutors, and parents dedicated to helping
every student achieve to the highest;
Andrea and Mark for their patient and indispensable computer tutoring;
and, of course, to Jack, for his patience, advice, and encouragement.
Scholastic Inc. grants teachers permission to photocopy the game boards and cards from this book for classroom use.
No other part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted
in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written
permission of the publisher. For information regarding permission, write to Scholastic Inc.,
557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012.
Cover and interior design by Holly Grundon
Illustrations by Kelly Kennedy
ISBN 0-439-51378-2
Copyright © 2005 by Elaine Richard
All rights reserved.
Printed in the U.S.A.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
40
12 11 10 09 08 07 06 05
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
YR WRDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Match Me If You Can . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Opposites Attract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Word Rummy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Many Meanings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hippy Homophones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Category Is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Roots and Prefixes Bingo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Analogies Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Smilin’ Similes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Idiomatics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
12
17
22
27
32
37
45
49
56
61
Possible Answers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Introduction
rich vocabulary is the cornerstone of successful reading, writing,
and speaking. So how can we help students develop and expand
their vocabulary? One option is to offer them engaging ways to
“experience” words. Enter 10 Vocabulary Card Games! The games in this
book help boost students’ vocabulary—by giving them the kind of activities
they’ll enjoy doing over and over again. As students play these super-fun
games, they gain a better understanding of synonyms, antonyms,
homonyms and homophones, prefixes and root words, idioms, and more.
A
Setting Up the Games
ost of the games require nothing more than
the cards provided. Simply photocopy the
game cards on cardstock, cut them apart, and
store them in a plastic zipper bag along with a
copy of the game instructions. Label the bag with
the name of the game and store the bag in a filing
box for easy access.
A few of the games, like “The Category Is . . . ,”
come with their own game boards. Some of these
game boards, like the ones for Analogies Analysis
and Idiomatics, may also be used with some of the other card
games. Photocopy the game boards on regular copy paper then glue
the pages to the inside of a manila folder, carefully aligning both sides of
the game board. You could also photocopy the game board on cardstock
and tape the two sides together. Consider laminating the game boards
or covering them with clear plastic to keep them clean and sturdy for
repeated use.
M
5
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Playing the Games
he games in this book are designed for two to four players. A few can
also be played at the board in a whole-class setting or in teams. You
may want to establish some simple rules when you first introduce the
games to avoid potential conflicts later on. For example, a quick solution to
the question of who goes first is to have the youngest player always go first
in a game, then play can move in a clockwise direction. A more traditional
method would be to have players throw a number cube (or die) and the
player with the highest number goes first. Then play continues in a clockwise
direction.
Students might also play a game as “solitaire.” In this case, the player
writes the answers on a sheet of paper and hands it to you when he or she
is finished. This could serve as an assessment tool to give you insight into
the student’s understanding.
Consider making the games part of the reading center or offering them as
a choice during free time. You might also select a game to play with small
reading groups, supervising the game to ensure appropriate answers. (Most
of the games are open-ended and don’t require exact answers. We provide
possible answers for most games at the back of this book. You can
photocopy the answer keys and give them to players to use for reference.
Remind students that these are only possible answers. Accept any
reasonable answers as long as players can justify them.)
Perhaps more effective than any of these options is to play the games in
a one-on-one setting with an adult and a student, especially if the student
needs extra help in any of the skills. A parent, teacher, or tutor can model
more precise or interesting answers than peers might. Consider sending
home copies of the games so students can play them with their families—
another great way to strengthen the home–school connection.
T
However you decide to use the games in this book, they’re sure to
provide lots of fun and learning. Enjoy!
6
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
YR WRDS
Players list as many words as possible using two or more
consonants and inserting vowels as needed.
Objective
You’ll Need
To expand students’ vocabulary, practice
spelling, enhance word recognition, and
develop flexibility in thinking
●
YR WRDS cards* (pages 8–11)
●
Paper and pencil (for each player
or team)
Players
●
Timer (optional)
1 or more players
(Single players can write their answers
on a sheet of paper. For a whole-class
game, divide the class into teams of 3 or
4 students. Write words suggested by
each team on the board.)
* The letters Q, X, and Z were omitted because of
their infrequent occurrence.
How to Play
1. Shuffle the “YR WRDS” cards and deal 3 to 5 cards to each player or team.
2. Using only the consonants they have, players list as many words as possible that can
be formed by inserting vowels. (You may want to use a timer and set a time limit, like
30 seconds or 1 minute.) Players can use each consonant card only once in a word.
Words with double consonants can be made only if a player gets two cards of the
same consonant. For example, with the letters R, D, and S a player could make ride,
rode, road, raid, said, side, dries, and so on.
3. The player or team with the most words at the end of the game wins.
7
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Y R W RD S
Y R W RD S
B
D
F
Y R W RD S
Y R W RD S
Y R W RD S
B
D
F
Y R W RD S
Y R W RD S
Y R W RD S
C
D
G
Y R W RD S
Y R W RD S
Y R W RD S
C
D
G
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
page 8
Y R W RD S
page 9
Y R W RD S
Y R W RD S
Y R W RD S
H
K
L
Y R W RD S
Y R W RD S
Y R W RD S
H
K
L
Y R W RD S
Y R W RD S
Y R W RD S
J
L
M
Y R W RD S
Y R W RD S
Y R W RD S
J
L
M
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Y R W RD S
Y R W RD S
M
N
R
Y R W RD S
Y R W RD S
Y R W RD S
N
P
R
Y R W RD S
Y R W RD S
Y R W RD S
N
P
R
Y R W RD S
Y R W RD S
Y R W RD S
N
P
R
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
page 10
Y R W RD S
page 11
Y R W RD S
Y R W RD S
Y R W RD S
S
T
V
Y R W RD S
Y R W RD S
Y R W RD S
S
T
W
Y R W RD S
Y R W RD S
Y R W RD S
S
T
W
Y R W RD S
Y R W RD S
Y R W RD S
S
T
Y
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Match Me If You Can
Players match two or three word cards
that have the same meaning.
Objective
You’ll Need
To help students recognize synonyms
and expand their vocabulary
Match Me If You Can cards
(pages 13–16)
Players
2 to 4 players
How to Play
1. Shuffle the “Match Me If You Can” cards. Deal the cards evenly among the players,
placing them facedown in front of each player.
2. Players turn over two cards at the same time, placing them faceup in front of them.
The first player to spot two word cards that have the same meaning can take them. If
no matches are available, players turn over another two cards and place them next to
the other cards. Words that have asterisks (*) are part of a three-of-a-kind set. That
means that there are three cards that are synonyms. Asterisked word cards must
remain faceup until all three words are found.
3. Play continues until all cards have been matched. The player with the most cards at
the end of the game wins.
12
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
page 13
M at ch Me I f You C a n
M at ch Me I f You C a n
disaster
extra
M at ch Me I f You C a n
M at ch Me I f You C a n
calamity
additional
M at ch Me I f You C a n
M at ch Me I f You C a n
float
caution
M at ch Me I f You C a n
M at ch Me I f You C a n
drift
warning
M at ch Me I f You C a n
M at ch Me I f You C a n
expand
completely
M at ch Me I f You C a n
M at ch Me I f You C a n
enlarge
entirely
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
M at ch Me I f You C a n
copy
below
M at ch Me I f You C a n
M at ch Me I f You C a n
imitate
under
M at ch Me I f You C a n
M at ch Me I f You C a n
create
boast
M at ch Me I f You C a n
M at ch Me I f You C a n
invent
brag
M at ch Me I f You C a n
M at ch Me I f You C a n
focus
explode
M at ch Me I f You C a n
M at ch Me I f You C a n
concentrate
burst
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
page 14
M at ch Me I f You C a n
page 15
M at ch Me I f You C a n
M at ch Me I f You C a n
ruin
danger
M at ch Me I f You C a n
M at ch Me I f You C a n
spoil
peril
M at ch Me I f You C a n
M at ch Me I f You C a n
sorrow
glossy
M at ch Me I f You C a n
M at ch Me I f You C a n
sadness
shiny
M at ch Me I f You C a n
M at ch Me I f You C a n
permission
mighty
M at ch Me I f You C a n
M at ch Me I f You C a n
consent
powerful
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
M at ch Me I f You C a n
* humorous *
* usually *
M at ch Me I f You C a n
M at ch Me I f You C a n
* funny *
* mostly *
M at ch Me I f You C a n
M at ch Me I f You C a n
* witty *
* generally *
M at ch Me I f You C a n
M at ch Me I f You C a n
* gigantic *
* glad *
M at ch Me I f You C a n
M at ch Me I f You C a n
* huge *
* happy *
M at ch Me I f You C a n
M at ch Me I f You C a n
* enormous *
* pleased *
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
page 16
M at ch Me I f You C a n
Opposites Attract
In this Concentration–like game, players match two
word cards that have the opposite meanings.
Objective
You’ll Need
To help students recognize antonyms
and expand their vocabulary
●
Opposites Attract cards
(pages 18–21)
Players
2 to 4 players
How to Play
1. Shuffle the “Opposites Attract” cards. Arrange the cards facedown in rows of six on a
table or floor.
2. Players take turns turning over two cards at a time. If a player turns over two word
cards that have opposite meanings, the player keeps the cards and gets another turn.
Otherwise, the player turns the cards back facedown and the next player takes a turn.
3. Play continues until all of the cards have been matched. The player with the most
cards at the end of the game wins.
17
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
fact
cheerful
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
fiction
gloomy
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
adore
costly
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
detest
cheap
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
before
danger
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
after
safety
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
page 18
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
page 19
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
doubtful
arrive
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
certain
depart
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
elderly
exit
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
youthful
entrance
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
lively
remember
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
dull
forget
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
simple
beginning
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
complicated
ending
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
victory
hazy
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
defeat
clear
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
whisper
rough
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
shout
smooth
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
page 20
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
page 21
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
calm
loosen
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
excited
tighten
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
shallow
accept
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
deep
reject
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
hastily
mighty
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
O pp o s it e s Att r ac t
slowly
weak
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Word Rummy
Players match sets of three or four
synonym cards to get “Word Rummy.”
Objective
You’ll Need
To help students recognize synonyms
and enrich their vocabulary
●
Word Rummy cards (pages 23–26)
Players
2 to 4 players
How to Play
1. Shuffle the “Word Rummy” cards and deal seven cards to each player. Stack the rest of
the cards facedown and place the top card faceup next to the stack.
2. On each turn, a player may take either the faceup card or the top card from the deck,
then discard a card from her hand. (Place the discarded card on top of the faceup
pile.) Players must always have seven cards in their hands. The goal is to get “Word
Rummy”—a set of four matching synonym cards and a second set of three matching
synonym cards.
For example, say two of a player’s cards have the words speak and talk, and the
faceup card has the word utter. The player should take the faceup card because it is a
synonym of two of her cards. She then decides which of her other cards to discard.
Most likely, it would be a card that doesn’t match any of the others.
3. Play continues with players taking turns picking and discarding cards. The first player to
get “Word Rummy” wins.
22
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
page 23
Wor d Ru m my
Wor d Ru m my
separated
private
Wor d Ru m my
Wor d Ru m my
split
concealed
Wor d Ru m my
Wor d Ru m my
divided
assembly
Wor d Ru m my
Wor d Ru m my
apart
gathering
Wor d Ru m my
Wor d Ru m my
secret
meeting
Wor d Ru m my
Wor d Ru m my
hidden
group
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Wor d Ru m my
fearless
repair
Wor d Ru m my
Wor d Ru m my
unafraid
patch
Wor d Ru m my
Wor d Ru m my
bold
say
Wor d Ru m my
Wor d Ru m my
daring
speak
Wor d Ru m my
Wor d Ru m my
fix
announce
Wor d Ru m my
Wor d Ru m my
mend
tell
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
page 24
Wor d Ru m my
page 25
Wor d Ru m my
Wor d Ru m my
connect
price
Wor d Ru m my
Wor d Ru m my
unite
amount
Wor d Ru m my
Wor d Ru m my
combine
sleep
Wor d Ru m my
Wor d Ru m my
meld
doze
Wor d Ru m my
Wor d Ru m my
charges
nap
Wor d Ru m my
Wor d Ru m my
cost
slumber
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Wor d Ru m my
only
instruct
Wor d Ru m my
Wor d Ru m my
sole
educate
Wor d Ru m my
Wor d Ru m my
unique
entire
Wor d Ru m my
Wor d Ru m my
singular
all
Wor d Ru m my
Wor d Ru m my
teach
total
Wor d Ru m my
Wor d Ru m my
inform
whole
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
page 26
Wor d Ru m my
Many Meanings
Players use a word in two or more sentences
to demonstrate its different meanings.
Objective
You’ll Need
To enhance precise use of vocabulary
by giving students experience in using
homonyms (words that are spelled and
pronounced the same but have different
meanings) in different sentences
●
Many Meanings cards (pages 28–31)
Optional Materials
Players
2 to 4 players
●
Game board (choose one from
pages 54–55 or 66–67)
●
Game markers (buttons or coins
work well)
How to Play
1. Shuffle the “Many Meanings” cards and stack them facedown between the players.
2. Players take turns picking a card from the pile. On each turn, a player reads aloud
the word on the card and uses the word in at least two sentences to show its different
meanings. For example, the word light can be used in the following sentences:
I turned on the light. She’s wearing a light shade of blue. The suitcase was
light, not heavy.
3. Score one point for two meanings, and two points for each additional meaning.
(In the example above, the score would be 4.)
4. Continue taking turns until no cards are left. The player with the most points at the
end of the game wins.
Playing with a Game Board
Each player places a marker on START. Play the game as described above. A player can
move forward one space for giving two meanings, and two extra spaces for each
additional meaning. The first person to reach FINISH wins.
27
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
M a ny Me a n i ng s
7
M a ny Me a n i ng s
back
2
M a ny Me a n i ng s
can
8
M a ny Me a n i ng s
ball
3
cast
M a ny Me a n i ng s
9
M a ny Me a n i ng s
bat
4
cold
M a ny Me a n i ng s
10
M a ny Me a n i ng s
blue
5
M a ny Me a n i ng s
fair
11
M a ny Me a n i ng s
break
6
M a ny Me a n i ng s
file
12
M a ny Me a n i ng s
bug
fine
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
page 28
1
13
M a ny Me a n i ng s
19
fly
14
M a ny Me a n i ng s
light
M a ny Me a n i ng s
20
M a ny Me a n i ng s
hand
15
M a ny Me a n i ng s
log
21
M a ny Me a n i ng s
hard
16
M a ny Me a n i ng s
may
22
head
page 29
17
M a ny Me a n i ng s
mean
23
hide
18
M a ny Me a n i ng s
M a ny Me a n i ng s
M a ny Me a n i ng s
might
24
M a ny Me a n i ng s
left
nail
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
M a ny Me a n i ng s
31
M a ny Me a n i ng s
order
26
M a ny Me a n i ng s
safe
32
past
27
M a ny Me a n i ng s
M a ny Me a n i ng s
scale
33
M a ny Me a n i ng s
pen
28
seal
M a ny Me a n i ng s
34
present
29
M a ny Me a n i ng s
M a ny Me a n i ng s
season
35
M a ny Me a n i ng s
punch
30
M a ny Me a n i ng s
set
36
M a ny Me a n i ng s
ring
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
sign
page 30
25
37
M a ny Me a n i ng s
43
M a ny Me a n i ng s
sink
38
M a ny Me a n i ng s
tail
44
space
39
M a ny Me a n i ng s
M a ny Me a n i ng s
tape
45
M a ny Me a n i ng s
spot
40
M a ny Me a n i ng s
tie
46
M a ny Me a n i ng s
stick
page 31
41
M a ny Me a n i ng s
top
47
strike
42
M a ny Me a n i ng s
swing
M a ny Me a n i ng s
type
48
M a ny Me a n i ng s
watch
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Hippy Homophones
After a sentence is read aloud to a player,
the player must spell or define the homophone correctly.
Objective
You’ll Need
To help students understand the correct
use of homophones in reading and
writing
●
Hippy Homophones cards
(pages 33–36)
Players
2 to 4 players
How to Play
1. Shuffle the “Hippy Homophones” cards and stack them facedown between players.
2. On each player’s turn, the person to the right of the player picks a card and reads
aloud the word at the top of the card and the sentence below it. The player then has
to spell or define the word that was used in the sentence. For example, say the word
at the top of the card is eight and the sentence reads: Laura found eight coins in
the playground. The player has to spell the word eight or define it (the number).
3. If the player answers correctly, he keeps the card. If not, the player to his left can try to
spell or define the word. If that player answers correctly, she keeps the card and takes
another turn.
4. Play continues until no cards are left. The person with the most cards at the end of the
game wins.
32
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
page 33
H ipp y Homoph one s
H ipp y Homoph one s
Ad
Dew
Did you see the new ad
for that cool car?
The dew on that rose petal looks
almost like a diamond.
H ipp y Homoph one s
H ipp y Homoph one s
Add
Due
If you add these two numbers correctly,
you’ll get the answer you need.
Your library book is due
next Thursday.
H ipp y Homoph one s
H ipp y Homoph one s
Aisle
Break
The bride looked so lovely as
she walked down the aisle.
I could use a break from
all this work.
H ipp y Homoph one s
H ipp y Homoph one s
I’ll
Brake
I’ll see you next week
when I return.
Jaime tested the brake on his bike
to make sure it was working.
H ipp y Homoph one s
H ipp y Homoph one s
Isle
Ceiling
I wonder what it would be like
to live on a deserted isle.
Mom put some glow-in-the-dark
stars on our bedroom ceiling.
H ipp y Homoph one s
H ipp y Homoph one s
Do
Sealing
Kia and Alex do all the work here.
Charles is sealing the envelope.
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
H ipp y Homoph one s
Cheap
Mail
Even on sale, that sweater
is not cheap.
Could you please pick up the
mail from the post office?
H ipp y Homoph one s
H ipp y Homoph one s
Cheep
Male
I can hear the little chicks
cheep in the barn.
The vet said that the stray
cat is a male.
H ipp y Homoph one s
H ipp y Homoph one s
Desert
Meat
Are you going to desert
your friends, too?
Sarah is trying to eat less meat
and more fruits and vegetables.
H ipp y Homoph one s
H ipp y Homoph one s
Dessert
Meet
Lana ate all the dessert
left in the refrigerator.
Let’s meet at the mall
tomorrow afternoon.
H ipp y Homoph one s
H ipp y Homoph one s
Groan
Pail
When Jeremy heard there was going to
be a test, he just had to groan.
The twins always bring their
shovel and pail to the beach.
H ipp y Homoph one s
H ipp y Homoph one s
Grown
Pale
You have grown so much
since I last saw you.
Kevin looked so pale, you’d
think he had seen a ghost.
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
page 34
H ipp y Homoph one s
H ipp y Homoph one s
H ipp y Homoph one s
Pause
Rose
When you read the poem,
pause after each line.
Stella gave her mother a single
rose for her birthday.
H ipp y Homoph one s
H ipp y Homoph one s
Rows
Paws
The dog’s paws are so muddy!
All the rows in the
stadium are filled up.
H ipp y Homoph one s
H ipp y Homoph one s
Peace
Stair
Now that those kids are gone, we
can have some peace and quiet.
We’ll climb all the way to the top,
one stair at a time.
H ipp y Homoph one s
H ipp y Homoph one s
Stare
Piece
Would you like a piece of cake?
Jack couldn’t help but
stare at her hair.
H ipp y Homoph one s
H ipp y Homoph one s
page 35
Roll
Tail
In shock, Dad watched the car
roll down the hill.
Watch out for the cat’s tail!
H ipp y Homoph one s
H ipp y Homoph one s
Role
Tale
What role would you like to
play in this year’s production?
Have you heard the tale about
the giant lumberjack?
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
H ipp y Homoph one s
H ipp y Homoph one s
Tied
Weak
Juan tied his boat to the dock.
Kendra felt weak from the flu.
H ipp y Homoph one s
H ipp y Homoph one s
Tide
Week
Sometimes you can walk far out into
the ocean when the tide is low.
We’re going on vacation
next week.
H ipp y Homoph one s
H ipp y Homoph one s
Throne
Weather
Prince Charles is next in line
to the throne of England.
Have you checked
tomorrow’s weather?
H ipp y Homoph one s
H ipp y Homoph one s
Thrown
Whether
If you hadn’t thrown away the
map, we’d know where to go.
I don’t know whether or not
to join the team.
H ipp y Homoph one s
H ipp y Homoph one s
I’ll wait for you at the bus stop.
Which do you prefer—pizza
or hot dog?
H ipp y Homoph one s
H ipp y Homoph one s
Weight
Witch
Tomas lost all the weight he
gained during Thanksgiving.
Glinda is the good witch in
The Wizard of Oz.
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
page 36
Which
Wait
The Category Is . . .
Players write a number of words that
belong in a specific category.
Objective
You’ll Need
To help enhance students’ word retrieval and
expand their vocabulary
●
Set of The Category Is . . . cards*
(choose one set from pages 38–41)
●
Game board (pages 42–43)
●
Paper clip and pencil
(for the spinner)
●
Categories answer
sheet (page 44)
●
Pencils
●
Timer (optional)
Players
2 players, or 2 teams with 2 players each
* You may want to copy the Categories cards onto
self-adhesive notes so that they stay in place on
the game board.
How to Play
1. Choose one set of cards and place a card on each “station” on the game board.
Distribute the answer sheet and a pencil to each player.
2. Starting at the first station, a player spins the spinner to determine how many words to
write that belong to a category. For example, say a player spins 5 and the category is
Pets. Each player must list five words that belong to that category. (You may want to
use a timer and set a time limit, like 30 seconds or 1 minute.)
3. Play continues as players move to the next station and take turns spinning the spinner.
4. After everyone has completed all the stations, players compare answers for each
category. Cross out any answers that are the same as other players’. Count the
remaining words. The player with the most words wins.
37
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Set 2
T h e C at e gor y I s …
T h e C at e gor y I s …
transportation
musical
instruments
Set 1
Set 2
T h e C at e gor y I s …
T h e C at e gor y I s …
summer words
shapes
Set 1
Set 2
T h e C at e gor y I s …
T h e C at e gor y I s …
vegetables
tools
Set 1
Set 2
T h e C at e gor y I s …
T h e C at e gor y I s …
computer
words
school
Set 1
Set 2
T h e C at e gor y I s …
T h e C at e gor y I s …
sports
artists
Set 1
Set 2
T h e C at e gor y I s …
T h e C at e gor y I s …
baby animals
flowers
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
page 38
Set 1
page 39
Set 3
Set 4
T h e C at e gor y I s …
T h e C at e gor y I s …
winter words
bodies of water
Set 3
Set 4
T h e C at e gor y I s …
T h e C at e gor y I s …
feelings
round things
Set 3
Set 4
T h e C at e gor y I s …
T h e C at e gor y I s …
toys
weather
Set 3
Set 4
T h e C at e gor y I s …
T h e C at e gor y I s …
wild animals
foreign languages
Set 3
Set 4
T h e C at e gor y I s …
T h e C at e gor y I s …
medical terms
flavors
Set 3
Set 4
T h e C at e gor y I s …
T h e C at e gor y I s …
fruits
clothing
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Set 6
T h e C at e gor y I s …
T h e C at e gor y I s …
kitchen
measurement
Set 5
Set 6
T h e C at e gor y I s …
T h e C at e gor y I s …
farm
camera words
Set 5
Set 6
T h e C at e gor y I s …
T h e C at e gor y I s …
furniture
sharp things
Set 5
Set 6
T h e C at e gor y I s …
T h e C at e gor y I s …
green things
soft things
Set 5
Set 6
T h e C at e gor y I s …
T h e C at e gor y I s …
playground
insects
Set 5
Set 6
T h e C at e gor y I s …
T h e C at e gor y I s …
colors
things made
of glass
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
page 40
Set 5
page 41
Set 7
Set 8
T h e C at e gor y I s …
T h e C at e gor y I s …
things that fly
things you read
Set 7
Set 8
T h e C at e gor y I s …
T h e C at e gor y I s …
things in a
supermarket
sounds
Set 7
Set 8
T h e C at e gor y I s …
T h e C at e gor y I s …
desserts
planets
Set 7
Set 8
T h e C at e gor y I s …
T h e C at e gor y I s …
small things
movement words
Set 7
Set 8
T h e C at e gor y I s …
T h e C at e gor y I s …
vacation
destinations
things made
of paper
Set 7
Set 8
T h e C at e gor y I s …
T h e C at e gor y I s …
landforms
body parts
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
TI
A
ST
ON
NI
T
BO
K
KRONK
N
O
I
T
STA
STA
TIO
3
Spin
again
5
6
Spin
again
4
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
NS
HO
O
STATION BLIMP
A
AGN
M
N
TIO
A
T
S
ST
AT
I
ON
ZE
D
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
C at e gor ie s A n s we r S h e e t
C at e gor ie s A n s we r S h e e t
Category:
Category:
1.
1.
2.
2.
3.
3.
4.
4.
5.
5.
6.
6.
C at e gor ie s A n s we r S h e e t
C at e gor ie s A n s we r S h e e t
Category:
Category:
1.
1.
2.
2.
3.
3.
4.
4.
5.
5.
6.
6.
C at e gor ie s A n s we r S h e e t
Category:
Category:
1.
1.
2.
2.
3.
3.
4.
4.
5.
5.
6.
6.
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
page 44
C at e gor ie s A n s we r S h e e t
Roots and Prefixes Bingo
In this bingo-style game, a caller calls out prefixes for
players to match with the root words on their cards.
Objective
You’ll Need
To reinforce understanding of root words
and prefixes
●
Root Words Bingo cards
(pages 46–47)
●
Prefix cards (page 48)
●
Envelope or small paper bag
(for the Prefix cards)
●
Bingo markers (coins or buttons
work well)
Players
2 to 4 players, plus a caller
How to Play
1. Distribute a “Root Words Bingo” card and bingo markers to each player. Cut apart the
“Prefix” cards and put them in the envelope.
2. The caller picks a card from the envelope and reads the prefix aloud. Each player looks
at his or her own bingo card and decides which root word goes with the prefix. For
example, say the caller reads the prefix in- and a player has the root word tend on his
card. Combined, the prefix and root word make the word intend. The player should
say the complete word aloud then put a marker on the word tend on his card.
3. The object of the game is to cover a complete row of four root words, vertically,
horizontally, or diagonally. NOTE: There may be more than one root word for each
prefix. Players should decide which root word to cover in order to get bingo.
4. The first player to get bingo wins.
45
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Ro ot s a nd P r e f i xe s B i ngo
Ro ot
Wor ds
B i ngo
Card
change
plain
fill
pack
build
tract
tell
pect
safe
pose
able
ject
charge
serve
please
base
Ro ot s a nd P r e f i xe s B i ngo
pand
cess
bate
vent
verse
form
tail
act
fair
view
cent
dict
cover
cite
test
page 46
Ro ot
Wor ds
B i ngo
Card
play
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Ro ot s a nd P r e f i xe s B i ngo
Ro ot
Wor ds
B i ngo
Card
able
change
base
cite
test
charge
verse
fair
pack
play
build
form
vent
pose
serve
cent
page 47
Ro ot s a nd P r e f i xe s B i ngo
Ro ot
Wor ds
B i ngo
Card
safe
act
plain
dict
fill
ject
pand
cover
tract
cess
view
tell
please
pect
bate
tail
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
P r e f i x C a r ds
con-
con-
de-
de-
de-
di-
dis-
dis-
dis-
en-
ex-
ex-
ex-
in-
in-
per-
pre-
pro-
re-
re-
re-
re-
un-
un-
page 48
com-
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Analogies Analysis
Players fill in the blanks with
appropriate analogies.
Objective
Players
To help students explore word
relationships and comparisons
frequently found in literature and
on standardized tests; to help them better
understand metaphors in poetry and to
enrich language usage in writing
2 to 4 players
You’ll Need
●
Analogies Analysis cards
(pages 50–53)
●
Analogies game board (pages 54–55)
●
Game markers (buttons or coins
work well)
●
Number cube (die)
How to Play
1. Shuffle the “Analogies Analysis” cards and stack them facedown next to the game
board. Players place their markers on START.
2. On each turn, a player picks a card and reads the statement aloud. The player fills in
the blank by giving an appropriate analogy. For example, say the card reads: Horn is to
beep as phone is to _____. An appropriate analogy might be ring.
3. If the player answers correctly, she rolls the number cube to see how many spaces to
move on the board. If the player doesn’t answer correctly, the next player can try to
guess the answer. If he answers correctly, he can roll the cube to move forward on the
board, then take another turn.
4. Continue taking turns until one player reaches FINISH. The first person to reach
FINISH wins.
49
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Analogies Analysis
7
Head is to foot
as top is to _____
2
Analogies Analysis
Ice is to solid
as water is to _____
8
Whisper is to shout
as quiet is to _____
3
Analogies Analysis
Analogies Analysis
9
Analogies Analysis
10
Analogies Analysis
Computer is to process
as brain is to _____
Analogies Analysis
Win is to lose
as stop is to _____
11
Car is to drive
as pencil is to _____
6
Analogies Analysis
Blue is to color
as carrot is to _____
Foot is to shoe
as hand is to _____
5
Analogies Analysis
Red flag is to danger
as white flag is to _____
Money is to bank
as food is to _____
4
Analogies Analysis
Analogies Analysis
Whistle is to referee
as hammer is to _____
12
Analogies Analysis
She is to her
as he is to _____
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
page 50
1
13
Analogies Analysis
19
Glass is to shatter
as paper is to _____
14
Analogies Analysis
Frog is to pond
as bee is to _____
20
Story is to read
as song is to _____
15
Analogies Analysis
Analogies Analysis
21
Analogies Analysis
22
Analogies Analysis
Tree is to lumber
as wheat is to _____
page 51
Analogies Analysis
Attract is to repel
as healthy is to _____
23
Left is to right
as front is to _____
18
Analogies Analysis
Star is to galaxy
as planet is to _____
Date is to calendar
as time is to _____
17
Analogies Analysis
Villain is to hero
as wealth is to _____
Character is to book
as ingredient is to _____
16
Analogies Analysis
Analogies Analysis
Difficult is to hard
as fragile is to _____
24
Analogies Analysis
Study is to learn
as search is to _____
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Analogies Analysis
31
Anger is to fury
as joy is to _____
26
Analogies Analysis
Fish is to swim
as bird is to _____
32
Dog is to puppy
as cow is to ____
27
Analogies Analysis
Analogies Analysis
33
Analogies Analysis
34
Analogies Analysis
Screen is to movie
as stage is to _____
Analogies Analysis
Finger is to hand
as toe is to _____
35
Football is to touchdown
as soccer is to _____
30
Analogies Analysis
Page is to book
as branch is to _____
Bracelet is to wrist
as ring is to _____
29
Analogies Analysis
Shelf is to books
as garage is to _____
Sunshine is to rain
as happy is to _____
28
Analogies Analysis
Analogies Analysis
Chair is to sit
as stove is to _____
36
Analogies Analysis
Ear is to listen
as tongue is to _____
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
page 52
25
37
Analogies Analysis
43
Engine is to go
as brake is to _____
38
Analogies Analysis
Silk is to smooth
as sandpaper is to _____
44
Length is to inches
as weight is to _____
39
Analogies Analysis
Analogies Analysis
45
Analogies Analysis
46
Analogies Analysis
Paw is to dog
as fin is to _____
page 53
Analogies Analysis
Advance is to retreat
as panic is to _____
47
Swim is to pool
as jog is to _____
42
Analogies Analysis
Geometry is to math
as biology is to _____
Moon is to earth
as earth is to _____
41
Analogies Analysis
Tame is to wild
as pretty is to _____
One is to three
as single is to _____
40
Analogies Analysis
Analogies Analysis
Sum is to addition
as product is to _____
48
Analogies Analysis
Tired is to sleep
as hungry is to _____
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Analogies
START
Go ahead
2 spaces.
Go back 1 space.
Lose a
turn.
54
Go ahead
1 space.
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Take another
turn.
Go back
2 spaces.
Go ahead
3 spaces.
FINISH
page 55
Lose a
turn.
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Cause
Smilin’
or Similes
Effect?
In thisPlayers
Concentration-type
match
decide which game,
of twoplayers
statements
ontwo
eachphrase
cards to card
makeisathe
simile
then
the simile
in a sentence.
cause
anduse
which
is the effect.
Objective
Objective
To help students recognize familiar
Players
2
2 to
to 4
4 players
players
similes
(figures
of speech
that compare
To develop
important
readingtwo
unlike thingsskills,
by using
word
comprehension
suchthe
as logic,
as
or like) and
enrich their plot and
sequencing,
understanding
understanding
of
historical material them
You’ll
Need
Materials
Smilin’
Similes
cards (pages 57–60)
●
Game
board
Game markers
(buttons work well)
●
●
Players
Die
1. Players
Shuffletake
the turns
cards flipping
and stack
them
the The
center
of isthe
board.
2.
over
twofacedown
cards at aintime.
goal
to game
turn over
twoEach
phrase
player
places
a
marker
on
START.
cards that, put together, make a simile (for example, the phrases as sharp and as a
tack). If a player turns over two cards that make a simile, he has to use the simile in a
2. sentence
On each that
turn,makes
a player
picksinaorder
card to
andkeep
reads
two Otherwise,
statementsthe
aloud.
Forturns
example,
sense
thethe
cards.
player
the
say
the
card
reads:
“The
lights
went
out.
There
was
a
power
failure.
”
The
player
cards back facedown and the next player takes a turn.
decides which statement is the cause and which is the effect. (HINT: If you can say
3. Play continues until all of the cards have been matched. The player with the most
“because” in front of one choice, that statement is the cause and the other is the
cards at the end of the game wins.
effect.)
3. If the others agree with the answer, the player can roll the die to see how many
spaces he or she can move on the board. If the others disagree with the answer, the
player can’t move. The next player takes a turn.
4. The first player to reach FINISH wins.
56
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
10 Reading Comprehension Card Games
1. Shuffle the “Smilin’ Similes” cards. Arrange the cards facedown in rows of six on a
How
Play
table to
or floor.
Scholastic Teaching Resources
How to Play
page 57
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
As pretty …
As busy …
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
As fluffy …
Sings …
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
Swims …
Sleeps …
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
As peaceful …
Fight …
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
As gentle …
As flat …
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
As slippery …
As deep …
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
… as a picture
… as a bee
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
… as a cloud
… like a bird
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
… like a fish
… like a baby
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
… as a dove
… like cats and dogs
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
… as a lamb
… as a pancake
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
… as an eel
… as the ocean
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
page 58
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
page 59
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
As white …
As black …
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
As light …
Moves …
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
As cold …
As smooth …
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
Sinks …
As soft …
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
As strong …
As tall …
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
As rough …
As sly …
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
… as snow
… as night
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
… as a feather
… like a snail
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
… as ice
… as glass
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
… like a stone
… as silk
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
… as a horse
… as a flagpole
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
… as sandpaper
… as a fox
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
page 60
S m i l i n’ S i m i le s
Idiomatics
Players read a statement containing an idiom
and explain what the idiom means.
Objective
You’ll Need
To help students understand idioms so
they do not take them literally
●
Idiomatics cards (pages 62–65)
●
Idioms game board (pages 66–67)
●
Game markers (buttons or coins
work well)
Players
2 to 4 players
How to Play
1. Shuffle the “Idiomatics” cards and stack them facedown next to the game board.
Players place their markers on START.
2. On each turn, a player picks a card and reads the statement aloud. The player then
explains what the underlined idiom means.
3. If the player answers correctly, he moves the number of spaces written on the card. If
the player doesn’t answer correctly, he does not move. Place the card in a discard pile.
The next player takes a turn.
4. The first player to reach FINISH wins.
61
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
2
3
4
5
6
Id iom at ic s
7
Id iom at ic s
I knew she wasn’t listening because
her head was in the clouds.
They pulled strings to get tickets
to the sold-out Yankees game.
(2)
(3)
Id iom at ic s
8
Id iom at ic s
If you tell me what you need, I can
get working on it right off the bat.
As Zach told his outrageous story,
Ria couldn’t keep a straight face.
(2)
(2)
Id iom at ic s
9
Id iom at ic s
Keenan got cold feet when he
looked down the ski slope.
Joe decided to go out on a limb and
tell his parents about his report card.
(2)
(3)
Id iom at ic s
10
Id iom at ic s
After Sarah’s team lost, she felt
down in the dumps.
When the mayor visited our school,
he got the red-carpet treatment.
(2)
(2)
Id iom at ic s
11
Id iom at ic s
Ann was tickled pink when the
principal praised her project.
Everyone was feeling shy, but the
party game broke the ice.
(3)
(3)
Id iom at ic s
12
Id iom at ic s
Tom hit the roof when he found
out his friend had lied to him.
Lara said she’ll set up the party
from soup to nuts.
(3)
(2)
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
page 62
1
13
14
Id iom at ic s
19
Id iom at ic s
Be careful what you say so you
won’t have to eat your words later.
The beach was fun, but my little
brother was such a wet blanket.
(3)
(2)
Id iom at ic s
20
Id iom at ic s
Stop making waves and just go
along with our original plans.
Mom calls the shots at home.
(2)
15
16
page 63
17
18
(2)
Id iom at ic s
21
Id iom at ic s
Andrew was so embarrassed,
he just clammed up.
The dark-horse candidate was
elected class president.
(2)
(3)
Id iom at ic s
22
Id iom at ic s
Sally’s baby brother is the
spitting image of her.
I’ve always put up with his jokes,
but this is the last straw!
(2)
(3)
Id iom at ic s
23
Id iom at ic s
Our go-cart fell apart at the trials,
so now we’re back to square one.
Lisa didn’t want her brother to get in
trouble, so she took the rap for him.
(3)
(3)
Id iom at ic s
24
Id iom at ic s
Don’t worry about Mr. Howard—
his bark is worse than his bite.
Sam has been on cloud nine
since he won first prize.
(3)
(2)
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
26
27
28
29
30
Id iom at ic s
31
Id iom at ic s
Krista’s hope for a swimming party
went down the drain.
When Jim saw Jill come around
the corner, he took a powder.
(2)
(2)
Id iom at ic s
32
Id iom at ic s
Please keep this information
under your hat.
Why are you giving your best
friend the cold shoulder?
(2)
(2)
Id iom at ic s
33
Id iom at ic s
Just hang in there and you’ll
eventually get what you want.
What Kim found out is just
the tip of the iceberg.
(3)
(2)
Id iom at ic s
34
Id iom at ic s
My grandmother’s garden
is proof that she has a green thumb.
Carlos did not hit the books until
the night before the test.
(2)
(2)
Id iom at ic s
35
Id iom at ic s
Gina’s teachers love her because
she’s quick on the draw.
Since she heard the great news,
Sandra has been walking on air.
(3)
(2)
Id iom at ic s
36
Id iom at ic s
Let’s stop this monkey business
and get working on the project.
If you continue to burn the candle at
both ends, you’ll make yourself sick.
(2)
(3)
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
page 64
25
37
38
39
40
page 65
41
42
Id iom at ic s
43
Id iom at ic s
That surprise math quiz was
a piece of cake.
Kira is tired of playing second
fiddle to her older sister.
(3)
(3)
Id iom at ic s
44
Id iom at ic s
Katie passed the test
with flying colors.
Even after José lost, he really
kept his chin up.
(2)
(2)
Id iom at ic s
45
Id iom at ic s
Looks like the TV is
on the fritz again.
When you said Bob has no imagination,
you hit the nail right on the head.
(2)
(3)
Id iom at ic s
46
Id iom at ic s
Maya was green with envy when
Taiyo won the spelling bee.
No matter how hard he tries, Jack
just can’t hold a candle to Jake.
(2)
(3)
Id iom at ic s
47
Id iom at ic s
Don’t bother to see that movie—
it’s for the birds.
If Mom sees this mess, she’ll
jump down your throat.
(2)
(3)
Id iom at ic s
48
Id iom at ic s
Ian lost his job at the restaurant
because he couldn’t cut the mustard.
Tam spilled the beans about
the surprise party.
(3)
(3)
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
START
Go ahead
2 spaces.
Go back
3 spaces.
66
Go ahead
2 spaces.
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Idioms
Go ahead
1 space.
Lose
a turn.
Go back
2 spaces.
Take
another turn.
FINISH
page 67
Go back
3 spaces.
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Match Me If You Can
Possible Answers
(page 12)
Disaster/Calamity
Create/Invent
Danger/Peril
Float/Drift
Focus/Concentrate
Glossy/Shiny
Expand/Enlarge
Below/Under
Mighty/Powerful
Extra/Additional
Boast/Brag
Humorous/Funny/Witty
Caution/Warning
Explode/Burst
Gigantic/Huge/Enormous
Completely/Entirely
Ruin/Spoil
Usually/Mostly/Generally
Copy/Imitate
Sorrow/Sadness
Glad/Happy/Pleased
Permission/Consent
Possible Answers
Opposites Attract
(page 17)
Fact/Fiction
Doubtful/Certain
Simple/Complicated
Calm/Excited
Adore/Detest
Elderly/Youthful
Victory/Defeat
Shallow/Deep
Before/After
Lively/Dull
Whisper/Shout
Hastily/Slowly
Cheerful/Gloomy
Arrive/Depart
Beginning/Ending
Loosen/Tighten
Costly/Cheap
Exit/Entrance
Hazy/Clear
Accept/Reject
Danger/Safety
Remember/Forget
Rough/Smooth
Mighty/Weak
Possible Answers
Word Rummy
(page 22)
Separated/Split/Divided/Apart
Connect/Unite/Combine/Meld
Secret/Hidden/Private/Concealed
Charges/Cost/Price/Amount
Assembly/Gathering/Meeting/Group
Sleep/Doze/Nap/Slumber
Fearless/Unafraid/Bold/Daring
Only/Sole/Unique/Singular
Fix/Mend/Repair/Patch
Teach/Inform/Instruct/Educate
Say/Speak/Announce/Tell
Entire/All/Total/Whole
68
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Possible Answers
1. Back – rear part of the body; opposite
of front; position in some ball games,
like football or soccer; toward the
rear; in the past; having returned from
somewhere; to support, as in back up
someone; to move backward
2. Ball – a round plaything; a large
formal party; a good time, as in
having a ball
3. Bat – a flying mammal; a stick used
in baseball; to hit a ball with a bat;
flutter, as in bat eyelashes
4. Blue – a color; feeling sad
5. Break – to destroy something; to split
something into smaller parts; a rest
from school or work, like a vacation
6. Bug – an insect or other creepy
crawly; to annoy someone; to plant a
hidden microphone, as in bug a
house
7. Can – to be able to do; a metallic
cylinder for holding food; to put in
a can
8. Cast – players in a show; bandages
with plaster used for broken arms or
legs; to throw something, as in cast a
stone; to give shape to something,
like pottery
9. Cold – low temperature; opposite of
warm; illness caused by viruses; not
friendly
10. Fair – light coloring; not dark; just or
reasonable, as in a fair trial; average;
beauty; an exhibition of products or
trade show
11. File – a tool used to smooth surfaces;
to arrange papers in order; collection
of data in a computer
12. Fine – feel well; penalty paid as
punishment; very thin or delicate,
such as fine thread
13. Fly – a winged insect; the act of flying,
like a bird; a baseball hit high in the
air
14. Hand – part of the arm; help or
assistance, as in give a hand;
applause; a worker on a ship, as in all
hands on deck; near, as in at hand
15. Hard – difficult; opposite of soft;
harsh, as in a hard person
16. Head – topmost part of the body;
leader or person in charge, as in head
of the class; to move toward a certain
direction, as in head for home
17. Hide – to put something out of sight;
to keep something secret; the skin of
an animal
Many Meanings
18. Left – opposite of right; past tense
of leave
19. Light – electromagnetic radiation that’s
visible to the eye, as in daylight or
from a lightbulb; bright; opposite of
dark; opposite of heavy; to illuminate;
food with less calories, as in light
salad dressing
20. Log – a large piece of wood,
specifically a cut section of a tree
trunk; a record of a ship or plane’s
voyage; a daily record of events
21. May – the fifth month in a year; be
able to do something
22. Mean – to have a purpose, as in
she means to get rich; to denote
something, as in hungry means
needing to eat something; nasty, as
in he was mean to her; average, as in
math; poor
23. Might – another word for may; power
or strength
24. Nail – hard covering at the end of
fingers and toes; a pointed metal
fastener, used with a hammer
25. Order – arrangement or sequence,
as in put something in order; to
command, as in order the troops;
rank or level
26. Past – time gone by; opposite of
present; go by and beyond a place, as
in drive past the school
27. Pen – a writing utensil; an enclosure
to hold in animals, as in a pig pen; a
female swan
28. Present – now; opposite of past; a
gift; here, as in present in school
29. Punch – a drink that is a mixture of
different juices or liquids; to push
down, as in punch keys on the
computer; to hit someone with a fist
30. Ring – a circular piece of jewelry,
usually worn on a finger; sound
usually made by a bell; to surround in
a circle, as in ring around the rosy
31. Safe – free from harm; a case for
putting valuables, like jewelry
32. Scale – a device for weighing; to
climb, as in scale a wall; the outer
covering of fish; a series of
consecutive musical notes
33. Seal – a sea mammal; to close, as in
seal an envelope
(page 27)
35. Set – a collection of things that
belong together, as in a train set; to
place somewhere, as in set the bowl
on the table; to harden something, as
in let the gelatin set
36. Sign – a symbol or omen; to write a
signature, as in sign your name; a
type of display, usually to advertise
something; to signal someone
37. Sink – to go under the surface, as in
sink to the bottom; a basin, as in a
kitchen or bathroom sink
38. Space – the universe, as in outer
space; room, as in space to spread
out; leave a gap in between, as in
space out your letters
39. Spot – a stain; a small area that’s a
different color from its surroundings,
such as spots on a Dalmatian; a small
space; a brief commercial; to see or
notice something, as in spot a
mistake
40. Stick – a long piece of wood or a
broken branch; to fasten something
as with paste or glue; to place
something somewhere, as in stick it in
the drawer
41. Strike – to hit or attack; to delete or
cancel, as in strike that last word; a
work stoppage by employees, as in
go on strike
42. Swing – a playground equipment; to
sway back and forth; a type of jazz
music
43. Tail – an appendage at an animal’s
rear end; to follow secretly, as in tail a
suspect; a comet’s bright, trailing end
44. Tape – an adhesive strip, as in Scotch
tape; an audiotape; to record
something on tape
45. Tie – a necktie; to fasten using ribbon
or string; an equal score in a game
46. Top – the highest or uppermost part
of something; a spinning toy; the
best; to exceed something; to cover,
as in top a sundae with cherry
47. Type – kind or sort, as in a type of
animal; printed letters, as in a
typeface; to write something using a
keyboard
48. Watch – to keep an eye on or to
observe; a device that tells time, like a
clock; to be careful about something,
as in watch out for danger
34. Season – a period of time during the
year, as in spring season; to add
seasoning, like salt, to food
69
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Possible Answers
Ad – advertisement
Add – to calculate the sum
Aisle – a passage separating
sections of seats
I’ll – I will
Isle – island
Do – to carry out
Dew – moisture that appears
as small droplets
Due – date at which
something is required
Break – period of rest
Brake – a device for
stopping motion
Hippy Homophones
Cheep – sound made by
little chicks
Pale – lacking in color
Pause – stop briefly
Desert – leave behind
(Note that the accent is
on the second syllable,
as opposed to desert that
means “dry land.”)
Paws – an animal’s feet
Peace – calm or quiet
Piece – part of a whole
Roll – to move, as on wheels
Dessert – sweet treat after
a meal
Role – an acting part in a play
Rose – a flower
Groan – to make a deep
moaning sound
Rows – arranged in straight
lines
Grown – having matured or
gotten taller
Stair – step
Mail – letters
Stare – to look hard
Male – boy or man; masculine
Tail – an appendage at the
back of many animals
Ceiling – overhead part
of a room
Meat – animal flesh, like beef,
pork, or chicken
Sealing – closing
Meet – to come together
Cheap – inexpensive
Pail – a container, like a bucket
Possible Answers
(page 34)
Tide – the rising and falling of
the ocean
Throne – chair of state of a
sovereign, like a king or queen
Thrown – past tense of throw
Wait – to stay in place,
expecting something to come
Weight – how much a
person weighs
Weak – not strong
Week – seven-day cycle from
Sunday to Saturday
Weather – state of the
atmosphere, like rainy or sunny
Whether – which of the two
Tale – story
Which – one of two or more
Tied – to fasten with a rope
Witch – a woman with
supernatural powers
Roots and Prefixes Bingo
(page 45)
complain
detract
expand
prevent
reform
compose
disable
expect
preview
reject
conform
discharge
explain
probate
repack
conserve
discover
expose
process
replay
contest
display
extract
project
repose
contract
displease
incite
propose
reserve
convent
dispose
indict
protest
retail
converse
disserve
inform
protract
retell
debase
distract
inject
react
retest
debate
diverse
invent
rebate
retract
decent
enable
inverse
rebuild
reverse
deform
enact
percent
recent
review
deject
entail
perform
recess
unable
depose
exact
perverse
recharge
uncover
deserve
excess
predict
recite
unfair
detail
exchange
preserve
recover
unpack
detest
excite
pretest
refill
unsafe
70
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Analogies Analysis
Possible Answers
(page 49)
1. bottom
13. tear, shred
25. happiness
37. stop
2. loud, noisy
14. sing
26. calf
38. pounds, grams
3. grocery store,
refrigerator
15. recipe
27. sad
39. triple
16. clock, watch
28. finger
40. sun
4. glove, mitten
17. back
29. goal
41. road, track
5. write
18. flour, bread
30. play, theater
42. fish
6. think
19. hive
31. fly
43. rough
7. liquid
20. poverty
32. cars
44. ugly
8. peace, surrender
21. solar system
33. tree
45. science
9. vegetable
22. sick, unhealthy
34. foot
46. calm
10. go
23. breakable, delicate
35. cook, bake, roast
47. multiplication
11. carpenter, builder
24. find, discover
36. taste, speak
48. eat
12. him
Possible Answers
Smilin’ Similes
(page 56)
As pretty as a picture
Sleeps like a baby
As strong as a horse
As fluffy as a cloud
Fight like cats and dogs
As rough as sandpaper
Swims like a fish
As flat as a pancake
As black as night
As peaceful as a dove
As deep as the ocean
Moves like a snail
As gentle as a lamb
As white as snow
As smooth as glass
As slippery as an eel
As light as a feather
As soft as silk
As busy as a bee
As cold as ice
As tall as a flagpole
Sings like a bird
Sinks like a stone
As sly as a fox
71
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Possible Answers
Idiomatics
(page 61)
1. Head in the clouds –
daydreaming or lost in
thought
18. His bark is worse than his bite
– he sounds more frightening
than he behaves or acts
33. Tip of the iceberg – just a
small part of an even bigger
problem
2. Right off the bat –
immediately
19. Wet blanket – someone who
spoils the fun by being dull or
depressing
34. Hit the books – study very
carefully
3. Cold feet – lost his nerve or
became afraid
4. Down in the dumps – sad or
depressed
5. Tickled pink – very pleased or
delighted
6. Hit the roof – to get angry
suddenly
7. Pulled strings – secretly used
some influence to get
something
8. Keep a straight face – to keep
from laughing
9. Out on a limb – take a risk
10. Red-carpet treatment –
special treatment given to
someone important
20. Make waves – to cause
trouble
21. Dark-horse candidate – a
candidate whom people know
little about but who
unexpectedly wins
22. The last straw – the final
problem of a series of other
problems that is more than a
person can bear
23. Took the rap – took the
blame, especially by someone
who is innocent
24. On cloud nine – very happy
25. Down the drain – lost forever
11. Break the ice – to reduce
nervousness or tension in a
situation
26. Keep under your hat – keep
something secret
27. Hang in there – to continue
without giving up
28. Green thumb – have a special
talent for growing plants
12. From soup to nuts – the
whole thing, from start to
finish
13. Eat your words – to take back
what you said
14. Calls the shots – is in charge
15. Clammed up – refused to talk
29. Quick on the draw – quick to
understand and answer
questions
30. Monkey business – fooling
around
16. Spitting image – an exact
likeness
31. Took a powder – left in a
rush, as if to avoid getting
caught
17. Back to square one – start at
the beginning again because
of failure
32. Cold shoulder – ignore
completely
35. Walking on air – to be very
happy or elated
36. Burn the candle at both ends
– to work very hard to the
point of exhaustion
37. Piece of cake – a very easy
task
38. With flying colors – with much
success
39. On the fritz – not working
40. Green with envy – very
jealous
41. For the birds – worthless
42. Cut the mustard – to be able
to handle the job
43. Play second fiddle – to have a
smaller role or be inferior to
someone
44. Keep his chin up – to not show
sadness or disappointment
45. Hit the nail right on the head
– to be precisely right about
something
46. Can’t hold a candle to – is
inferior to someone else
47. Jump down your throat – to
scream at someone angrily
48. Spilled the beans – gave away
a secret
72
10 Vocabulary Games © Elaine Richard, Scholastic Teaching Resources